It does not take much prodding to elicit an opinion from Virginia Tech Coach Seth Greenberg, especially about the schedule. Combine an upcoming in-state rivalry with Greenberg speaking just minutes before stepping into the gymnasium for an important practice, and the Hokies coach was not prepared to mince words about the date of Saturday's game against Virginia.

"I think there's a disservice not to have an in-state rivalry on a level playing field when both schools are in session," Greenberg said Thursday, two days before the Hokies host their rivals.

School is not in session at Virginia Tech, and the athletic department is offering free admission to any student on campus. They can fill the seats of season-ticket holders away on semester break until every seat is filled. Greenberg was emphatic about the fans' role in home-court advantage, identifying the fans as a difference between college basketball and the NBA.

"There’s a reason that the home team wins more," Greenberg said.

If he needed any more fuel, Greenberg can peer ahead on the schedule and see the Hokies visit U-Va. on Feb 18. School will be in session in Charlottesville, a point not lost with Greenberg.